~ the annual ants in my pants ~
For several weeks, maybe over a month, I've been experiencing substantial depression, loneliness, and feelings of unremarkableness. Something small and utlimately inconsequential happened yesterday at work which sent me over the edge and I became obsessed about getting the hell out of Dodge. I have realized that I am experiencing the annual ants in my pants crisis, which involves a lot of solitary epic walks and nervous GI distress.
In other news, I'm almost done with the naval adventure story, The Good Shepherd, just in time for Harry Potter. I must say, the naval adventure story is a good bedtime read, and has been very effective at helping me in my bedtime routine. My only complaint about the book is that I wish that there was some kind of diagram or visiual aid for the complex maneuverings of the convoy fleet, the destroyers, and the U-boats. I feel as though I am not fully appreciating the maneuvers, and a diagram or other visual aid would really help me. Incidentally, I really like the way that the action develops. The sonar dude will say something like, "Contact sir, bearing zero zero five, range one two zero zero." And the Captain will respond, "Right standard rudder." And then there will be two pages explaining in detail everything that was going through the Captain's head when he makes these exciting split-second decisions. At the moment, the destroyer only has three depth charges left and they can only fire in a single firing pattern, instead of the more effective diamond-shaped four charge pattern, and there's a reckless U-boat firing torpedoes willy-nilly at them, and it is very exciting.!
Fern, I am sad about the sadness and GI distress, though I greatly applaud your efforts in finding solutions.
Unrelatedly, might you be interested in loaning to me that very exciting naval adventure story? You know, post-Potter? I'm a good borrower! Returning promptly and treating items that don't belong to me with respect!
Posted by: amy | July 20, 2007 8:36 AM
Absolutely, I think that you would enjoy it.
I also should mention that part of what I find amusing about the book is the olde fashioned machismo, wherein the fact that the Captain deprives himself of sleep, food, water, warmth, and opportunities to pee means that he's a real man, as opposed to my point of view that good sleep, plenty of food and water, adequate warmth, and the ability to pee when needed are inherently positive attributes of any living conditions.
Posted by: Jennifer | July 20, 2007 8:55 AM
Sounds fascinating! And hilarious! Is it just me, or has that kind of machismo being exhalted become antiquated and amusing?
Of course, I am also a huge fan of the Dirk Pitt adventure novels. But in those the testosterone-laden action seems almost tongue-in-cheek.
Posted by: amy | July 20, 2007 10:19 AM